The first coordinated schedule leak of the NFL season has arrived, and it's a blockbuster: the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are set to clash in the opening Sunday Night Football game of the year on NBC. Kickoff is scheduled for the standard 8:20 p.m. ET on September 13, kicking off a new season with two of the league's most iconic franchises.
This announcement comes ahead of the full schedule release later this week, and it's the first of what promises to be many strategic leaks as broadcasters head into Upfront week—the period when much of their NFL ad inventory is sold to advertisers. NBC's Upfront presentation begins on Monday morning, and Cowboys-Giants will undoubtedly be a centerpiece of that showcase.
As usual, NBC will also broadcast the NFL Kickoff game on Thursday of Week 1, featuring the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. That matchup has yet to be announced, but with the Giants already locked into Sunday night, one fewer home opponent remains on the Seahawks' schedule to choose from.
Adding to the Week 1 intrigue, the NFL will make history with its first-ever game from Australia, set to be played on a Wednesday and featuring the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. That game is reportedly headed to Netflix, though an official announcement is still pending.
For NBC, the Sunday Night Football opener is a dream scenario. Despite recent struggles, the Cowboys remain a ratings powerhouse, drawing massive audiences year after year. Meanwhile, the new-look Giants—led by emerging quarterback Jaxson Dart and new head coach John Harbaugh—are a team every NFL fan will want to see early this season. It's a matchup that blends star power, tradition, and fresh storylines, setting the stage for an electric start to the season.
